Lagos Trains 150+ Teachers in Olympic Values for Schools

More than 150 physical education teachers and sports coordinators from Lagos public schools are gathering this week to transform how Nigeria teaches kids about sportsmanship and character.

The Nigeria School Sport Federation and Nigeria Olympic Committee launched a two-day training program to introduce the Olympic Values Education Programme into primary schools across Lagos State. The initiative, supported by Olympic Solidarity and the Lagos education board, focuses on teaching children the core Olympic principles of excellence, respect, and friendship.

This marks the fifth stop on a nationwide tour that has already reached Plateau, Ogun, Bayelsa, and Kano states. Professor Clement Fasan, an IOC-certified trainer, is leading sessions at the LASUBEB Multipurpose Hall in Maryland.

"OVEP is based on the Olympic philosophy that learning takes place through the balanced development of body and mind," explained Kemi Obidahunsi, the program's coordinator. The approach goes beyond traditional physical education by weaving character development into every sports activity.

NSSF President Olabisi Joseph encouraged the teachers to "learn and unlearn" so they can effectively pass these values to their students. The training equips educators with practical tools to integrate Olympic principles into daily lessons and playground activities.

The program serves a dual purpose beyond character building. Professor Fasan emphasized that teachers will learn to identify promising athletic talent early, creating pathways for young athletes to develop their abilities while maintaining strong moral foundations.

The Ripple Effect

Lagos State education officials see this as a game changer for their schools. Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, who chairs the Lagos education board, praised the alignment with the state's vision of producing students who excel academically, morally, and socially.

The timing couldn't be better for Nigerian youth sports. By training teachers to spot talent while building character, the program creates a pipeline that could produce future Olympians who represent Nigeria with both skill and integrity.

The investment in teacher training means thousands of Lagos students will soon experience a new approach to physical education. When these 150 educators return to their schools, they'll reach countless children who might never have considered themselves athletes or understood the deeper meaning of sportsmanship.

Nigeria is building its Olympic future one teacher at a time.